Add Some Glow with a Japanese Style Solar Lantern

Get Your Garden Glowing

Wake up your sleepy garden this year; give it a touch of pizaz and personality.

A garden makeover doesn't have to cost a lot or take too much time.

Just add a touch of garden bling and you'll see what I mean.

My favorite garden accent is this delightful soji solar lantern.

It's amazing how the addition of this little Japanese style solar lantern began a transformation of my patio into the backyard retreat I enjoy today. Would you like to know how it all came to be? If so, just read on.

Just What is a Soji Lantern? - Modern Take on a Japanese Classic

This style of lantern is patterned after the traditional Japanese lanterns popular throughout past and present Japan. These delicate lanterns, named chochin, have long been a perennial symbol of Japan; the earliest recorded use of these lanterns is 1085.

The early chochin was constructed with a thin bamboo frame covered with paper or silk. It was placed over an open flame to protect it from the wind. The frame was cleverly wrapped in a spiral fashion, enabling the lantern to collapse at the base when not in use.

The modern soji lantern is still conveniently collapsible, however much safer sans open flame.

Solar Soji Lantern, Why Do I Love You?

Let Me Count the Ways....

1. Simplicity of Design Once you open up the lantern and hang it, you're done. It automatically charges during the day and glows all night.

2. Looks Great Night and Day I love the luminous glow it gives me in the evening, but it looks fabulous by day as well.

3. Well Constructed I've had my soji solar lantern for two and a half years now. It still looks like new. No fading, no tearing, no burn out. They are made with a rip stop nylon and have the appearance of a traditional silk lantern, only much longer lasting.

4. Unobtrusiveness Because it's solar - no unsightly electric cord, no need for an outlet, no hassles. Can hang it anywhere.

5. The Price is Right You can't go wrong with the price. You can find one between $5.00 and $35.00.

Welcome to My Back Yard. - Japanese Style Solar Lantern by Day

I still remember the day my soji lantern was delivered. It was lantern love at first sight.

I hung it from a shepherd's hook on my back patio and immediately appreciated the design for its simplicity.

During the day it swung gently in the breeze and quietly captured energy from the sun.

That evening, having forgotten about the solar charging lantern, I was completely surprised by the scene in my garden. Through my french door I saw a luminous globe radiating over my garden. It's cast was magical.

This lantern is made from weather resistant nylon. It comes with a solar panel that charges all day. AAA rechargeable battery is included. Stainless steal hanging handle and base are included. (Not all soji solar lanterns are created equal! Not all include a handle and few include a base)

How Did it Transform my Garden?

Let Me Introduce you to the Moon Garden

After seeing how magical an evening garden can be when cast in the luminous glow of a lantern, I began researching evening gardens. I discovered a secret world of night blooming flowers and their pollinators.

Slowly I began establishing a moon garden, one plant at a time.

The beauty of gardens is that they are a work in progress, always changing. I love to watch as my moon garden transforms over the years.

My latest addition, a Japanese stone lantern, was a surprise gift from my husband. It's the perfect accompaniment to my soji solar lantern.

Thanks to the introduction of my lantern, we have reclaimed our patio in the evenings.We now spend many relaxing evenings in our quiet moon garden breathing in the exotic scents of the night blooming blossoms. They bask in the glow of our very own lunar lantern. Rarely does the moon find its way through the trees to my garden, but I have a radiant moon-like lantern to take its place.

Evening gardens are a great way to wind down and shed stress accumulated during the hectic day. I owe mine to my lovely little soji lantern.

Colorful Japanese Style Solar Lanterns - Spice up your garden with a splash of color

A soji solar lantern doesn't have to be white.

Try coordinating the main accent color of your garden flowers with a lantern. For example - if you have a bed with predominately yellow flowers and a few purple accent flowers, then add a cheerful purple lantern to coordinate with your bed.

Maybe you could add a link to where you got your stone lantern, and add something about your moon garden up at the top? I see you have a link that takes you to a lens for how to make a moon garden... wonderful. I love the idea of a moon garden... Lots of people are mostly home in the evening, and that really makes sense. This is a great product and I am going to buy one!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Chocolatealchemy: I love moon gardens, too. They are great spots for relaxing.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@john-stewartsr: Hi John. They look great on a deck. Nice to see you here at Squidoo.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@chocochipchip: They do have a nice subtle and gentle glow. Glad you stopped by.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@TeresaM LM: Hi Teresa. The more sunlight they collect during the day, the longer it will glow. Even on cloudy days, mine still glows. Yours may not glow all night long, but it will illuminate fine.

What a beautiful way to give some light to a backyard at night without driving up the power bill. Very cool.

webmavern 4 years ago

These are so much prettier than the usual solar lights you see around. I woud love one for my garden!

anonymous 4 years ago

ITs really awesome lens!

kathysart 4 years ago

I LOVE LOVE it! I love things that bring a romantic ambiance to the yard.. gorgeous!

Cynthia Haltom 4 years agofrom Diamondhead

I like these lamps the look good in your gardens.

mrdata 4 years ago

Very decorative lens! I Love Japanese solar lanterns...Congrats for your LOTD!

geosum 4 years ago

great lens! Would love to have one (or more)

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justramblin 4 years ago

@belinhafernandes: You can use one on a balcony or patio, too. You don't have to have a garden. thanks for stopping by.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@mcspocky lm: Good, I hope you'll try one.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@getmoreinfo: Yes, they are. I especially like the white lanterns for moon gardens. thanks for your visit.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@john9229: Yes, the red ones look great in daylight. They don't give off as much light at night, but look good.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@squidoopets: yes, they're perfect for that

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justramblin 4 years ago

@anonymous: Oh that's so, so true! I am my mom now.....Oh well. She loved gardening too so I think that's a good thing.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Klaartje Loose: Oh, that's a good idea. Lattes by lantern light.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Ben Reed: thanks very much

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justramblin 4 years ago

@maryseena: Yes, if you have a sunny day, it will still be glowing in the morning. It won't have enough juice to charge all night if you have a cloudy day though. I am amazed at how it holds its light for so long. My lantern is almost 3 years old, too!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@artbyrodriguez: Oh, thanks so much!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Sylvestermouse: Yes, she is quite interested in everything I put in my garden, and loves garden art the most!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Sylvestermouse: Oh, that would be a great gift for her. Thanks for your kind words and for your visit along with a dusting!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@lionmom100: Oh thanks. Nice to get a compliment from a fellow gardener.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@Elsie Hagley: Thanks for reading my lens. I love all shapes and sizes of solar lights for gardens. They really give gardens such a nice glow, don't they?

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justramblin 4 years ago

@PiccadillyPunkin: Thanks, Piccadilly! I think you'll like the lantern.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@SusanDeppner: Hi Susan. thanks for stopping by

belinhafernandes 4 years ago

I wish I had a garden! A great lens!

mcspocky lm 4 years ago

Awesome, I would love to have one in the yard!

getmoreinfo 4 years ago

These Japanese Style Solar Lanterns are really pretty, I like how the glow at night, perfect for a moonlight garden.

john9229 4 years ago

I like to have red color Japanese Style Solar Lanterns. So wonderful!

Darcie French 4 years agofrom Abbotsford, BC

I would love one of these on my apartment patio :D

anonymous 4 years ago

I love solar lighting and I am a gardener. I keep adding solar lights, ceramic figures and old tools to my garden. Funny how we turn into our parents. Very enlightening lens.

Klaartje Loose 4 years ago

I plan to give myself one very soon: I think it will improve my balcony!

Ben Reed 4 years agofrom Redcar

A great idea.

maryseena 4 years ago

Beautiful! And very useful for lighting up your garden in late evenings. Thanks to your lens, it's on my wish list. Does the power last overnight?

Beverly Rodriguez 4 years agofrom Albany New York

Great lens and deserving of the Purple Star! Good work.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse 4 years agofrom United States

LOL, I got so excited I forgot to tell you that I loved the photo of the deer in your garden. Apparently she likes your lantern too :)

Cynthia Sylvestermouse 4 years agofrom United States

Wow! What an excellent review! My sister has a Japanese garden, but she doesn't have a Soji solar lantern. I am so excited because now I actually have a unique gift idea for her. She will also appreciate that it is solar. Totally awesome and blessed!

lionmom100 4 years ago

These lanterns are beautiful. They add a lot to your lovely garden.

Elsie Hagley 4 years agofrom New Zealand

I like these big Solar lanterns, I have small solo light's, here and there around my garden, which I enjoy very much, but I would like to try these bigger Japanese ones.

PiccadillyPunkin 4 years ago

What a fun lens! I've never tried a soji solar lantern, but now I want one! :) Your backyard is lovely and you have some terrific pictures on here...very personal and this is a great lens!!

Susan Deppner 4 years agofrom Arkansas USA

Your garden is lovely and the soji lantern fits in beautifully! Love your personal recommendation. I need to find a place for one of these!

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justramblin 4 years ago

@CraftyStaci: Yes, and you can easily remove them and use them over again, too.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@anonymous: They leave a soft glow and probably enough lighting to help guide, but they aren't as strong as a regular light. They'd be pretty on steps.

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justramblin 4 years ago

@anonymous: thanks for reading

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justramblin 4 years ago

@DebW07: And they have a nice subtle glow, too. thanks for coming by.

CraftyStaci 4 years ago

Oh my goodness! I've never seen these before, but they would be perfect for a big outdoor event we're having next summer. Thanks for introducing me to them!

anonymous 4 years ago

Justramblin...Love your lens on solar lanterns. I have been looking for ways to illuminate the front steps at my Mother's house and these would not only be beautiful but could "leaf" the way up the steps to the front door. Thanks for all the neat ideas!

anonymous 4 years ago

Very cool pictures and lens. Thanks for sharing!

DebW07 4 years ago

Those solar lanterns add lots of color and light to the backyard, they look amazing. Thanks for sharing.